Pleasing Blurs
Jun 12, 2017 14:30:20 #
I have been doing this for a number of years, one of the reason is I use them for backgrounds, lately for artistic pictures, some may like it and some don't, I happen to like it and find it rewarding and very fun.
I also find it addictive. If you would like to learn more you can watch this Video that B&H put out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HiZ6zSStBo&t=3078s
The video is somewhat long and to make a short list that I have learned,
1. A tripod really helps, and lock down the horizontal control to where you only have up and down movement, having said that a tripod is not a must and I just hand hold a lot of times, my tripod is not the best for this because it is a ball head and wonders around anyway.
2. Shutter speed, I start around 1/25 sec in manual mode and work from there, normally ISO 100 and use your aperture to adjust your exposure, some where around f/16 is a good start.
3. Focus, even though is called Pleasing Blurs, you do want to get really good focus on your subject. I find manual focus works really well.
4. Lens, just about any lens will work, this week I shot some with a 55mm, I find my 90mm macro works best but have used up to a 400mm
5. Sweep, you can sweep up or down to make it blur, back and forth what ever you want to do, I find it easier to sweep upward with a heavy big lens, you don't want a heavy lens to bang your tripod on the way down, you may sweep fast, slow, or even just the flick of your wrist.
6. Shoot many pictures of your subject, although it might look good in the camera, it might not be the case when you get them downloaded, once you download them you will find one that will really stand out from the rest and say that's it, and it will put a smile on your face. It's not unusual for me to shoot 10 or 12 shots per subject, some times it's all about timing, to hit that shutter button just at the right time while you sweep.
Some of these pictures were edit to the extreme with On1 Raw and Topaz Adjust and other software, some are just right out of the camera.
If you would like you may use any of these for background pictures or overlays, the only thing I ask if you do is show it to me, just because I want to see it
Please use the down loads and have a great day!!!
I also find it addictive. If you would like to learn more you can watch this Video that B&H put out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HiZ6zSStBo&t=3078s
The video is somewhat long and to make a short list that I have learned,
1. A tripod really helps, and lock down the horizontal control to where you only have up and down movement, having said that a tripod is not a must and I just hand hold a lot of times, my tripod is not the best for this because it is a ball head and wonders around anyway.
2. Shutter speed, I start around 1/25 sec in manual mode and work from there, normally ISO 100 and use your aperture to adjust your exposure, some where around f/16 is a good start.
3. Focus, even though is called Pleasing Blurs, you do want to get really good focus on your subject. I find manual focus works really well.
4. Lens, just about any lens will work, this week I shot some with a 55mm, I find my 90mm macro works best but have used up to a 400mm
5. Sweep, you can sweep up or down to make it blur, back and forth what ever you want to do, I find it easier to sweep upward with a heavy big lens, you don't want a heavy lens to bang your tripod on the way down, you may sweep fast, slow, or even just the flick of your wrist.
6. Shoot many pictures of your subject, although it might look good in the camera, it might not be the case when you get them downloaded, once you download them you will find one that will really stand out from the rest and say that's it, and it will put a smile on your face. It's not unusual for me to shoot 10 or 12 shots per subject, some times it's all about timing, to hit that shutter button just at the right time while you sweep.
Some of these pictures were edit to the extreme with On1 Raw and Topaz Adjust and other software, some are just right out of the camera.
If you would like you may use any of these for background pictures or overlays, the only thing I ask if you do is show it to me, just because I want to see it
Please use the down loads and have a great day!!!
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Fire and Ice is what I named this one.
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My wife likes this one
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I let the wind do the work for me on this one, hand held 1/5 sec.
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Jun 12, 2017 15:28:38 #
Jun 12, 2017 16:01:25 #
Treepusher wrote:
Pleasing is exactly the word! Love them!
And so do I, Johnny! This is a technique that we were taught in a photo class I took, and I'd love to get better at it, because it's just plain fun!!
Jun 12, 2017 16:57:51 #
Treepusher wrote:
Pleasing is exactly the word! Love them!
Randy, Thanks!!!!
Jun 12, 2017 17:01:27 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
And so do I, Johnny! This is a technique that we were taught in a photo class I took, and I'd love to get better at it, because it's just plain fun!!
Donna, Thank you, Taught in a photo class? wow, didn't dream of that, your right about it being fun, even on windy days, never know what you will come up with is part of being fun along with processing them
Jun 12, 2017 18:23:18 #
Jun 12, 2017 18:44:15 #
I've never done it but think I should. Looks like fun and I like the effect.
Jun 13, 2017 05:36:55 #
Very creative, Johnny and love the colors... they'd make for beautiful backgrounds and textures!!
Jun 13, 2017 06:01:50 #
Beauties for sure, Johnny! I just love these shots with the soft blur and dreamy colors. My favorite is the third one. It looks like a Monet painting. Very nicely done.
Jane
Jane
Jun 13, 2017 08:48:33 #
What a fantastic job, Johnny! I did one with daisies last year I liked, but most I've tried went straight to the trash 
These are all fantastic. I'm going to bookmark this page and may very well take you up on your offer. Thank you!!
These are all fantastic. I'm going to bookmark this page and may very well take you up on your offer. Thank you!!Jun 13, 2017 14:32:38 #
dennisallard wrote:
I've never done it but think I should. Looks like fun and I like the effect.
Dennis, you for sure need to give it a try, you never know how the effects will come out, that's what makes it so fun!!!!!
Jun 13, 2017 14:33:15 #
DOOK wrote:
It sure is different, Johnny--love the bright & varied colors.
Thank you Earl, Lot's of fun!!!!
Jun 13, 2017 14:34:40 #
angela k wrote:
Very creative, Johnny and love the colors... they'd make for beautiful backgrounds and textures!!
Thank you Angela, or hanging on your wall
Jun 13, 2017 14:36:14 #
jayway55 wrote:
Beauties for sure, Johnny! I just love these shots with the soft blur and dreamy colors. My favorite is the third one. It looks like a Monet painting. Very nicely done.
Jane
Jane
Thank you very much Jane, That is also one of my favorite!!!!
Jun 13, 2017 14:38:35 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
What a fantastic job, Johnny! I did one with daisies last year I liked, but most I've tried went straight to the trash These are all fantastic. I'm going to bookmark this page and may very well take you up on your offer. Thank you!!
These are all fantastic. I'm going to bookmark this page and may very well take you up on your offer. Thank you!!Thank you much Linda, most all mine go to the trash also, my ratio is about 1 out of 30 or so.
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